A comprehensive analysis from the basics to the application of V-cathodes in Zn–V static and flow batteries

Abstract

Electrochemical energy storage devices using zinc anodes and aqueous solutions have the characteristics of low cost, easy manufacture, and intrinsic safety. As an important part of modern aqueous batteries, zinc batteries have attracted extensive attention in the academic community. Among them, vanadium-based materials have been widely gaining attention as cathode materials in static aqueous zinc-ion batteries owing to their multiple valence states and abundant resources. In addition, zinc–vanadium flow batteries using the vanadium electrolyte for energy storage have also been gradually developed, which further expanded the application of vanadium-based materials in aqueous zinc batteries. In this review, an overview of zinc–vanadium batteries (including static batteries and flow batteries) is briefly discussed, including their working mechanism, classification, structure, existing problems, and improvement strategies, for promoting further development of this field.